If Acura builds a TLX Type R with a new engine 450+HP, AWD, sport suspensions, manual, 20 inch tires and body kit. Do you think it can compete with cars like BMW M, Lexus F and MB AMG?

Of course it will be more expensive but do you think it will sell?

 

The biggest factor would be price. I think too much engineering would have to go into making the SH-AWD system work with a new manual transmission. For Acura to do this, it would likely be North of $100k to actually turn a profit and this would lead the car to be DOA. If they were able to get a more stout AT + drivetrain in there, 500HP and all the other goodies you mentioned in the $70k range, I think it would do reasonably well.

As we know, the Germans like to play games with their power numbers. The G80 M3 Comp makes close to 500wHP from the get. The C63 is going to be a monster, but it's going to be as heavy as a building, so even with almost 700HP, it's likely not going to be exceptionally faster than the current M3. I haven't heard much of what the heck Audi has been doing with the next gen RS5.

If Acura could do something in this ballpark, I'd be game. Just so long as they don't go the hybrid route, which would already make a heavy vehicle even heavier. I'd pay the premium just for the peace of mind of having a warranty with those power numbers. The aftermarket is dragging its feet with more power from the Type-S powerplant, and even then, the power limits are a giant question mark.

 

There are not Type R Acura models, there haven’t been since the Integra years ago.

Type S is the highest performance trim Acura offers. If you want a Type S to be faster, buy a K Tuner and flash tune it. Stick boos is something like ~15psi. Bump that up to 20-21 psi and it’s going to be a completely different car in terms of acceleration performance.

 

yes. stock is 14, I'm running 19-20 right now. probably somewhere in the 375 wheel range

 

As long as the TLX Type-R (in highest performance tuning) is released in limited quantity, it will sell even with a hefty price tag. After all, Acura has nothing right now after the demise of the $170k NSX.

The auto industry has played down the demand for the TLX-S PMC, and had predicted that no one is gonna buy it. But reality tells us that all allocations are sold out in mere minutes. Exclusivity comes with a price that someone is willing to pay for.